6 Tips To Eliminate Foot Odor

According to beliefs, it is possible to take advantage of the properties of some infusions to avoid excessive sweating and eliminate foot odor through localized baths.

Foot odor is an uncomfortable nuisance that is related to a number of factors and not just poor hygiene, as is commonly thought.

Although it is primarily associated with poor hygiene, it can also be triggered by hormonal changes, poor diet or the presence of fungi on the skin.

Those who suffer from it tend to suffer stress in their social and family environment, since the symptom becomes a source of ridicule and shame when it is perceived by other people.

Although there are many conventional products that help neutralize it, sometimes you need to consider other measures to eliminate it completely.  Luckily, there are a wide variety of care and natural remedies that help mitigate it.

This time we want to give you 6 good tips to deal with it.

1. To eliminate foot odor, wear cotton socks

The use of socks made of synthetic materials can prevent proper perspiration of the foot, thus causing excessive sweating and the appearance of unpleasant odors due to the accumulation of moisture in their fabrics.

For this reason, it is best to opt for those made with high-quality natural fabrics, such as cotton.

Likewise, with the exception of sandals, it is not advisable to wear closed shoes without socks.  This bad habit facilitates the concentration of sweat and bacteria, which are mainly responsible for the bad smell.

2. Choose appropriate footwear

One of the main causes of foot odor is footwear. Shoes made of non-breathable materials prevent the skin of the feet from breathing properly, facilitating the growth of bacteria.

That is why it is necessary to choose high quality shoes, with breathable materials that do not accumulate moisture. It is also important to clean them regularly and use deodorant products, such as baking soda or talcum powder.

3. Have good hygiene

Daily hygiene habits are essential in preventing odor. Through these it is possible to eliminate the residues of dirt, fungi and bacteria that influence the appearance of this problem.

• Wash them well every day, using neutral and antibacterial soap. Dry them carefully, making sure not to leave a trace of moisture between your fingers.
• Avoid putting on shoes immediately. Let your feet “air” for a few minutes before putting on your shoes.

4. Use black tea

According to popular beliefs, due to its high content of tannic acid, black tea could be an alternative solution against foot odor. Thus, these compounds kill bacteria and help regulate the pH of the skin.

Ingredients

• 5 black tea bags.
• 3 cups of water (750 ml).

Preparation

• First, add the black tea to the cups of boiling water.
• Then cover the drink and let it sit for 20 minutes.
• When it is warm, remove the bags and pour it into a bowl.

How to use

• First, soak your feet in the liquid for 20 minutes.
• Dry them well and, if necessary, repeat the treatment every day.

5. Use sage leaves

It is said that another of the natural remedies against bad odor is sage. This plant, famous for its multiple medicinal properties, would be ideal for controlling excessive sweating and the growth of bacteria on the skin.

Ingredients

• 6 sage leaves.
• 3 cups of water (750 ml).

Preparation

• First, add the sage leaves and cups of water to a saucepan.

• Bring the mixture to a boil and, when it comes to a boil, remove it from the heat.
• Then, wait for it to rest until it is ready for use.
• Filter it through a strainer and pour it into a basin.

How to use

• Dip the feet in the infusion and let them rest for 20 minutes.
• Dry them well at the end of the treatment.

Note : You can optionally put several dried sage leaves inside your shoes that cause a bad smell.

6. Massage with ginger

On the other hand, ginger could neutralize that unpleasant foot odor. Its aroma, in addition to its essential oils, would eliminate that annoying smell and stop the growth of the microorganisms that cause it.

Ingredients

• ½ ginger root.
• 3 cups of water (750 ml).

Preparation

• First, grate the ginger root and put it in a pot with the water.
• After infusing for 10 minutes, over low heat.
• Then, after this time, put it to rest at room temperature until it is warm.

How to use

• Spray the liquid on your feet and massage it in until it is well absorbed.
• Wipe away any moisture before wearing shoes again.

If you have problems getting rid of foot odor, it is best to consult your doctor. The professional will do a check-up and tell you what will work best for you.